A former soldier injured in Iraq, has received a BEST training award for his determination and success in starting a new career in plumbing and heating.
Paul Bennett was serving with the British Army in 2006 on his third tour in Iraq, when he was injured in conflict.

Evacuated to the Defence Medical Rehabilitation unit in Surrey, Bennett underwent several medical procedures and extensive treatment, but had to be medically discharged from the army, due to his injuries.

Bennett had served 21 years with the army, but after his injuries, lost his ability to carry on serving until the age of 55.

Faced with the prospect of finding a new career, he decided to start learning about plumbing and heating.

The army organised a Gas Foundation course for him to attend and he worked with engineers from Walsall Training centre. Bennett enrolled on more courses to improve his knowledge in areas such as BPEC Water Regulations, BPEC Unvented Hot Water and Electrical Part P.

Due to ongoing medical treatment, Bennett decided to start his own company to gain more control on when he could work and what he could do, due to his injury.

Bennett set up his company, Gas & Plumbing Solutions, with help from Walsall Training Centre and his business continues to grow thanks to his determination to succeed and keep learning new skills.

Walsall Training centre nominated Bennett for a 'Plumber/Heating engineer' award, organised by BEST (Building Engineering Services Training).

'Paul, should not only be applauded for his previous career in the army, but also recognition should be given to the fact that he has had to endure a major career change, plus coping with his injury', said Steve Edis, training manager at Walsall Training centre.